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Family and Friends
I shared with most of you Howard's diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). It is a decline in his ability to communicate resulting from degenerative speech and language networks in the brain, His progression seems to be moderate at this time. He has difficulty with comprehension and communication in a manner that is understandable at times. He also has suffered some memory loss. He is becoming more aware of his challenge when trying to communicate. Not surprising he is anxious and agitated.
Yesterday he was accepted into a Johns Hopkins clinical study which targets PPA patients with intensive speech therapy and brain stimulation. This therapy has shown promise with stroke patients who have a different type of aphasia. The research seems to indicate there are benefits for those with PPA. This clinical study has some funding from NIH with respect the the therapy but not housing, meals or transportation. These costs are the responsibility of the participant.The program is spread over six month of intensive therapy and brain stimulation with updates as we go along. Also while participating he will also have access additional supports such as support groups and I will have access to caregiver groups.
This disease is just beginning to get some attention. If you are interested in learning more check out the National Aphasia Association. It has often been confused Alzheimer which it is not.
Many of you have asked what you can do to help us.Others have already provided some much appreciated contributions to the costs during the assessment travel. Your emails sharing your thoughts and prayers have given us much encouragement. I think this opportunity is a prayer answered. We have set up a Go Fund Me site for contributions.
I shared with most of you Howard's diagnosis of Primary Progressive Aphasia (PPA). It is a decline in his ability to communicate resulting from degenerative speech and language networks in the brain, His progression seems to be moderate at this time. He has difficulty with comprehension and communication in a manner that is understandable at times. He also has suffered some memory loss. He is becoming more aware of his challenge when trying to communicate. Not surprising he is anxious and agitated.
Yesterday he was accepted into a Johns Hopkins clinical study which targets PPA patients with intensive speech therapy and brain stimulation. This therapy has shown promise with stroke patients who have a different type of aphasia. The research seems to indicate there are benefits for those with PPA. This clinical study has some funding from NIH with respect the the therapy but not housing, meals or transportation. These costs are the responsibility of the participant.The program is spread over six month of intensive therapy and brain stimulation with updates as we go along. Also while participating he will also have access additional supports such as support groups and I will have access to caregiver groups.
This disease is just beginning to get some attention. If you are interested in learning more check out the National Aphasia Association. It has often been confused Alzheimer which it is not.
Many of you have asked what you can do to help us.Others have already provided some much appreciated contributions to the costs during the assessment travel. Your emails sharing your thoughts and prayers have given us much encouragement. I think this opportunity is a prayer answered. We have set up a Go Fund Me site for contributions.